More than 80,000 commuters travel to Waterloo in the morning rush hour

Passengers from major terminals such as Brighton, Portsmouth, Plymouth and Reading were able to get into London, but not Waterloo, using other train operators. But those travelling from more remote areas struggled to get a train.

SWT said many remote stations where trains were running were quieter than normal, suggesting people had listened to the advice not to travel unless necessary.

But a few braved skeletal train services to get them to work.

One commuter said: "It was wonderful. The train didn't stop at Surbiton so the train was not crowded. It was better than normal."

Drivers on the Heathrow Express from Paddington in London to Heathrow Airport were also on striking in a separate dispute.

Aslef said further strikes planned for 8 and 11 September would go ahead unless the deadlock was broken.

The dispute started earlier this year when there was a disagreement involving Waterloo-based drivers over the use of taxis to and from work.

During a strike managers were used to drive trains but Aslef said SWT contravened an agreement they would only drive trains in cases of health and safety or the possibility of civil unrest.

I am only sorry that the public will suffer, rather than this appalling management

Aslef general secretary Keith Norman

The union also raised concerns over safety, claiming that one manager had not driven a train for 10 years.

The company denied the union's claims and insisted that only fully-qualified managers had driven trains.

Managing director Stewart Palmer said: "Some of our drivers probably are under a bit of pressure today but I'm pleased that they have had the courage of their convictions and come into work today."

Aslef general secretary Keith Norman said: "I believe the company is using its passengers to try to score points over the union.

"I am only sorry that the public will suffer, rather than this appalling management."